Flu Season

The leaves are changing, the apples are being picked and you can find a fair every weekend, but fall also means the start of flu season. According to Debbie Staley, a nurse practioner at Sutay and Stewart Pediatrics in South Windsor, you should get a flu shot "anytime after Labor Day, October or November is ideal." Because the viruses are constantly changing, the vaccine is "an educated guess" Staley says on what reseachers are seeing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC, everyone six months and older should get a flu shot, every year. In fact, Staley says, "ideally, everyone in the house should get it if you have anyone under age 5, that includes caregivers." Staley says it's also important to note, if a child is under eight years old, and if it's their first flu shot, they'll need to get two shots, 30 days apart. Staley says years go they would recommend the shot for high risk groups, but since suggesting everyone six months and older get it, she "rarely sees any cases" in their practice. You can contact your pediatrician or Primary Care Physician to schedule an appointment. Many pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens are also offering flu shots, just be sure to check with your insurance company to make sure it's covered at a pharmacy. Also, not all pharmacies carry the shot for children under eighteen, so be sure to ask.